BAY BRIDGE (KRON) -- A U.C. Berkeley civil engineering professor is urging Caltrans to replace, not just repair, a section of the Bay Bridge that collapsed on drivers.

Contractors are now working to install four new rods and a cross beam on the bridge.

"I think it probably should be replaced, not just for technical reasons but also to rebuild confidence in the minds of the public," Professor William Ibbs told KRON 4's Pam Moore and Heather Donald.  "We have to remember that this is a 75 year old bridge that has gone through earthquakes and storms and high winds and repeated traffic snarls for decades.  Just like the human body, bridges wear out over time so it's important to be sure that we maintain the bridge in fine working order."

Ibbs says he has no way of knowing if Caltrans rushed repairs of a crack in the eye-bar found during another repair project over the Labor Day weekend. 

"I had a lot of confidence and a lot of assurance that when Caltrans did the work in September that they were doing things according to code and according to professional standards," Professor Ibbs added.  "I'm confident that Caltrans is taking all the necessary precautions, that Caltrans will only open the bridge back up when they are sure that the bridge is safe.  I do think that longer term that Caltrans would be well advised to look at the bridge from a top to bottom perspective."

Ibbs says he doesn't think federal inspectors will bring a new body of knowledge to the repairs but instead will offer an "extra layer of double-checking" to help reinstill confidence among members of the public who depend on the Bay Bridge every day.

Stay tuned to KRON 4 and KRON4.com for the latest on the Bay Bridge Shutdown.

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